Breast Cancer and Menopause at 35 With Pausitive Outlook

Breast Cancer and Menopause at 35 With Pausitive Outlook, Teyonna Bowman

Facing Breast Cancer, Dense Breasts, and Early Menopause: Teyonna Bowman’s Journey Toward Advocacy and Hope

Host Lisa Malia sits down with Teyonna Bowman for an incredibly honest conversation about the unexpected twists of a breast cancer diagnosis, the realities of dense breast tissue, and how Teyonna’s journey into medically induced menopause fueled her mission to support and empower other women.

A Shock Before 40

Teyonna’s life changed dramatically at just 35 years old. Having just finished nursing her daughter, she noticed a small lump in her left breast during a rushed shower—something she admits she completely ignored for weeks. With no family history of breast cancer, denial took over, and only guilt finally pushed her to bring it up during a routine gynecologist appointment. Her friend, who happened to be her gynecologist, took her seriously and offered a mammogram referral. Even then, it took Teyonna months to schedule her screening.

Her journey through the healthcare system was surprisingly smooth at first—her mammogram quickly led to an ultrasound and a same-day biopsy. Although many women struggle for months or even years to get answers, Tiana’s diagnosis was confirmed within days: hormone-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, late stage one. “My world had flipped so fast,” she recalled. “I didn’t even know how to process it.”

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Recurrence

After undergoing a double mastectomy, hormonal therapy, Teyonna began rebuilding her life, thinking the worst was behind her, when she discovered another lump—this time in her reconstructed breast. Unlike the first time, she knew immediately what it meant. Frustratingly, her second encounter with the healthcare system was not as responsive; she had to fight for referrals and further tests before her recurrence was confirmed.

Her next round of treatment included surgery, chest radiation, oral chemo, and the most life-altering step: ovarian suppression, pushing her into abrupt, medically induced menopause.

Early Menopause and Its Unspoken Weight

For Teyonna, the symptoms of sudden menopause were overwhelming—hot flashes, sleep disturbances, vertigo, joint pain, heart palpitations, and intense brain fog that made her question her value at work and at home. These changes weren’t just physically grueling; they were mentally and emotionally isolating. “I felt completely lonely and isolated,” she shared, noting that so much of this experience was missing from mainstream menopause conversations, especially for younger women forced into menopause because of cancer treatment.

Turning Pain Into Purpose: Pausitive Outlook

It was this struggle that spurred Teyonna to take action—not just for herself, but for the thousands of young women facing similar experiences. She dove into research, read voraciously, and embraced her new role as a self-described “menopause evangelist” among her friends and followers. Her blog, *Pausitive Outlook*, became a hub for early detection advocacy, menopause awareness, community building, and connecting women to evidence-based resources and expert voices.

Through in-person events, partnerships, and online platforms, Teyonna works tirelessly to spread the word on early breast cancer detection, the unique needs of young survivors, and how to advocate for yourself in a complex medical system.

Key Takeaways for Every Woman

Teyonna’s story is a vital reminder to:

- Trust and listen to your body—don’t ignore new symptoms or changes

- Advocate for yourself, especially if you have dense breasts or are considered “too young” by medical standards

- Seek support, build your medical team, and tap into survivor communities like Pausitive Outlook, For the Breast of Us, and The Breasties

- Start conversations about breast cancer and menopause early, before symptoms or a diagnosis

While Teyonna’s path was never one she expected or wanted, her courage is forging hope, information, and solidarity for countless others. As Lisa Malia beautifully summarized, sharing our stories is how we “make changes and... spare others from having to face a similar circumstance—or at least, from ever having to face it alone."

Learn More About: The Clear Pathways Program

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Teyonna Bowman is a two-time breast cancer survivor, menopause advocate, and founder of Pausitive Outlook. Pausitive Outlook started as her virtual outlet for healing and sharing her own journey but has since evolved into a platform that empowers women, especially younger survivors, to navigate life after cancer and the complexities of medically induced menopause.

Through Pausitive Outlook, she creates connection, education, and community via social media and in-person experiences. She also serves as a dedicated volunteer with the Know Your Lemons Foundation, the American Cancer Society-Cancer Action Network and the Tigerlily Foundation.

Follow on LinkedIn: Teyonna Bowman

Website: Pausitive Outlook

Instagram: @pausitiveoutlook

Tik Tok: @pausitive_outlook